Biography
Steve McLaughlin has earned a reputation as an advocate for upstate residents and improving the quality of life in Rensselaer County during his service in the New York State Assembly. Following election in November, Steve began service as Rensselaer County Executive on January 1, 2018.
Steve was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1963, the third of four children of Arthur and Winifred McLaughlin. He was raised in Wrentham, Massachusetts, attending public elementary school and Xaverian Brothers High School.
He attended the Florida Institute of Technology and earned commercial and instrument aircraft ratings. He then studied finance at Arizona State University. He earned a B.A. degree from Empire State College (State University of New York) and an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix.
During a career in aviation, Steve flew for a number of different airlines and commercial clients. During his career as a pilot, Steve compiled over 12,000 of hours of flight time. He flew for America West Airlines and U.S. Airways, but along with many commercial pilots, was laid off after the September 11 attacks. He then entered the banking industry, and helped many families realize the dream of home ownership.
Steve was also called to public service, and was a candidate for State Assembly in 2008 against an incumbent, winning election to the seat in 2010. He was re-elected to the Assembly in 2012, 2014 and 2016. As Assemblyman, Steve earned a reputation for his work to improve quality of life in upstate, fights against corruption in state government, opposition to infringements on the constitutional rights of state residents, and work on constituent issues. He was a tireless voice during efforts to restore clean drinking water to Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh in eastern Rensselaer County after contamination was discovered.
In 2017, Steve was elected as Rensselaer County Executive, pledging to revitalize and reenergize county government, continue fiscally responsible policies and advocate for the county and upstate residents.
As County Executive, Steve has focused on protecting taxpayers and quality of life, while encouraging investment and job creation. He has introduced two consecutive budgets that lowered taxes while expanding important services and were approved unanimously by the County Legislature. He encouraged and supported the Amazon distribution center in Schodack, which will create 1000 jobs, and expansion of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in East Greenbush, which will create several hundred new jobs. To improve county roads, he has authorized the most miles of paving in two decades and is fulfilling a promise to construct a new emergency services training center.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, Steve was recognized for regular appearances on social media in which he was the only elected official to take questions live from residents, and for his advocacy on behalf of senior citizens in nursing homes and expanded services for residents dealing with the outbreak.